News Archive

Code Meshing: Critical Awareness in Action, at Nazareth College, April 25

Published April 16, 2018

What is code meshing? It is a term used by educators to describe the use of multiple dialects and Englishes in both school and professional contexts. But could this concept also be one of the remaining barriers to breaking down racism? Dr. Vershawn Young and Y’Shanda Rivera, co-authors of Other People’s English: Code-Meshing, Code-Switching, and African American Literacy, will present Code-Meshing: Critical Awareness in Action on Wednesday, April 25 from 5:30-6:45 p.m. in the Arts Center, room A14. This lecture, presented by the Frontier Center for Urban Education, will discuss reasons why teachers and students should  be encouraged to code-mesh in academic writing and why they should make exploring the plurality of the English language in writing and speaking a necessary part of the English language and curriculum. This lecture is free and open to the public.  Nazareth College is located at 4245 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14618. 

Young explains that in contrast to code-meshing, code-switching is the current method used by educators to teach the fallacy that only standard English should be used in classrooms and that African American English, for instance, should only be used at home or with friends. In their book, Young and Rivera discuss code-meshing as a new and more productive approach to teaching, writing, and speaking to diverse students. Code-meshing allows students to effectively blend and use both standard English and their native Englishes in school, at work, with family, and with friends.

 

For More Information

Julie Long | Nazareth Chief Public Relations Officer | (585) 389-2456 | jlong2@naz.edu

Nazareth University is an inclusive community of inspired learners, educators, and changemakers who for nearly 100 years have been driven by a bold commitment to action, empathy, equity, and leading innovation for the common good. Impact experiences are at the heart of a Nazareth education, preparing each student to discover within themselves the potential to cultivate positive change in their life's work, in any career field, and in a world that is constantly evolving and infinitely interconnected.

Our broad academic offerings present a range of study options typical of larger universities, yet achieved in our supportive campus culture. Nearly 2,100 undergrad and 600 graduate students enroll in degree and certificate programs and engage in collaborative, transformative learning experiences, preparing for the professions and society of today and tomorrow. In a learning community that purposefully integrates liberal arts and professional programs, Nazareth University graduates are able to launch a lifetime of impactful leadership in communities and workplaces near and far.

Dr. Vershawn Young (left) and Y'Shanda Rivera (right)